Filoil Preseason Cup: St. Benilde draws solid bench play in latest win

CSB Blazers celebrate after a 3-pointer against Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals in the Filloil Preseason Cup. FILOIL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines-College of St. Benilde drew solid contributions from its reserves in a blowout win over Emilio Aguinaldo College, 100-70, in Group A of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup at San Juan Arena on Tuesday.

But despite the lopsided victory behind 67 bench points, Blazers head coach Charles Tiu stressed his team still has some things to iron out.

“Our second unit was okay and so was our third. We’re trying to mix these lineups and see how the pieces fit. The third unit especially need a lot of work, they’re still a bit of a work in progress,” Tiu said, whose reserves outscored the Generals’ bench by 42 points.

The commendable bench play allowed starters like Will Gozum and Robin Nayve to have much-needed rest in the process.

“I don’t have a permanent starting lineup for next season yet. I’d like to give guys opportunities. It will depend on the way they practice so everybody will be given a chance. Sometimes Will (Gozum) will play 15 minutes if I’m not happy with his play,” Tiu said as his team stretched its winning streak to three for a 4-2 slate. 

The Blazers turned the game into a blowout thanks to a 12-0 run in the second quarter for a 31-16 lead.

Returning Migs Oczon spearheaded the Blazers’ second unit with 15 points, sinking four 3-pointers. Gozum still led CSB with 17 points.

Ralph Robin and Allen Liwag scored 13 and 12 points, respectively to pace the Generals, who slipped to 2-3.